7 Deadly Zins 2007 Lodi Zinfandel

I’ve tried a lot of Zinfandel over the years and every once in a while you come across one that just brightens up your “spirits”. Upon uncorking this wine the color was a deep, dark ruby hue. With a 14.5% ABV a full-bodied old vine zinfandel was just the right wine to pick on a chilly winter weekend while the forecast of getting a few more inches of snow to cover what we already received from Storm Charlotte loomed overhead.

On the nose the 7 Deadly Zins produced aromas of blackberry, black currant, black cherry, earthy notes, cola (yeah, strange but true), and spice. The bouquet was quite pleasing and was a prelude to the flavors I was about to experience. On the palate, raisins, blackberry, spice, walnut, and red currant were the prevalent flavors and the finish was of red raspberries and black pepper. A touch of blueberry finished off this tasting and it lasted for an eternity.

Now the question was what to pair this “zinful” zinfandel with. My initial thoughts were grilled lamb, Filet Mignon, or a Porterhouse steak. Nah, too complicated for a Saturday evening. So, I decided on sauteed onions and Black Angus pastrami on a grinder roll topped with Baby Swiss cheese. It may not sound like much but this was the perfect pairing. The succulent combination of a Spanish onion and the pastrami with the peppery-ness of the zinfandel worked exceptionally well.

The next time you’re in the mood for a pastrami sandwich or an incredible zinfandel, why not combine the two and have an exceptionally paired food and wine experience. When you do, let me know how it was. At $17.99 for a 750 ml bottle this is reasonably priced and won’t break the bank.